“Just do good dentistry and the rest will take care of itself.” We all heard this same advice in dental school. At the time it was comforting as it allowed me to continue to simply focus on attaining clinical skill. However, as I approach my 20 year dental school reunion, I can confidently say this is poor advice. While the intent comes from a good place, the application is certainly flawed.
In a busy dental practice, efficiency is key. But when it comes to tackling problems, sometimes the quickest solution isn't the best approach.
Communication is one of the biggest challenges that dental teams face, but it’s such a critical component to a great practice. A team that communicates well will outperform one that doesn’t, every single time. But great communication doesn’t just happen—it takes intention.
Imagine your ideal dental practice. Happy team, thriving patients, an office that buzzes with purpose. Now, how do you get there? How can you inspire that kind of culture?
Nothing can throw a wrench into your daily schedule like an unforeseen, unexpected emergency. Thankfully, in the world of dentistry, true emergencies are rare. Yet, frantic patients often perceive emergencies, creating a ripple effect on your entire practice.
You’re faced with challenges and decisions on a daily basis, and it’s easy to lose your way while trying to navigate them all. Just like a lighthouse leads a boat to safety, you need a beacon to guide you toward success, and that beacon is your core values. We LOVE core values here at ACT, and it’s likely
There is a saying we often use here at ACT, “You can’t fix the place while it is flying.” Obviously, but we see dentists every day wondering why progress is so hard to achieve. Yet these same frustrated dentists are seeing patients around the clock, rarely setting aside time for team meetings much less time for them to think strategically.
Every dental practice owner knows a happy, skilled team is the backbone of success. But how do you ensure your team has the tools they need to thrive? Here's the secret weapon: understanding the difference between training and development. Training is a foundation. It equips your team with the essential skills to perform their jobs effectively. This might involve learning new software, mastering sterilization protocols, or perfecting a specific technique. Training is prescriptive, offering clear instructions on "how" to do things. Development goes a step further. It's about nurturing your team's potential and fostering long-term growth. This involves problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to new situations. Development programs encourage an "agile" mindset, where your team can think creatively to find solutions. Are you fostering an environment where your team can flourish professionally and personally? As one of our docs likes to say: "training is something you do to a dog; to develop is human." Training is a great starting point, but don't stop there. Invest in your team's development to build a future-proof practice!
Language is powerful and in your dental practice, it can shape both patient experiences and team dynamics. Seemingly harmless words can have a minimizing effect on your message—and its impact. Take words like "just" and "little:"
New patients are the bread and butter that keep your practice rolling, but you can’t just take on all of them. You need the right amount of the right patients, but how do you know where you stand? The answer is data. We love data here, because data is honest.
